From One Abyss to Another [Open]

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There was no way that Shoji would have stuck around for long in the library after falling quite embarrassingly from that chair. Although there were more pressing concerns for the masters stuck in the moon cell at this point, surely it would be a comical subject among the many magus populating their digital prison. In fact Shoji was sure it amused his servant too. At this point, he could only hope that his servant wouldn't bring it up every opportunity. 

Even after that incredibly awkward and uncomfortable situation, Shoji took the liberty to explore the main hub where the other participants rested, studied, ate and plotted. His wandering lead him to the church - or more specifically, the small park/mini-courtyard of sorts in front of it, featuring flowerbeds, a water fountain and numerous benches. His brown eyes gazing over the entrance to the holy building, he recalled a few things he had heard when shuffling through the halls. Aside from this main hub - Tsukumihara Academy's campus - there was one other location available to Masters and their Servants - The Celestial Stairway. Accessible through the church, the celestial stairway was an odd realm - full of danger and treasure, mostly the former. Monsters patrolled the various corridors and rooms, and were no doubt aggressive to anything not of their kind. Not only that, but rival Mages and their Heroic familiars were also present in the dungeon, and some definitely had agendas to make life harder for the others by harassing their opponents. 

"I'm not even sure if we're ready for that place yet."
Shoji muttered to himself and his servant with a sigh after turning away and taking a seat on one of the park benches facing the fountain. It was at this moment that Shoji realized his hands were a little too empty. 
"Dammit! I forgot the book I wanted to read..." 
It's not surprising that he forgot it, though - the 16 year old mage often got anxious in awkward situations, especially humiliating ones like that. Looking towards the walkway that lead to the main campus grounds, he wondered how many mages would visit the church to train in the stairway. He was hesitant to get his feet wet there, but they wouldn't improve as Master and Servant duo if they didn't train. He figured they could explore the lower levels of the stairway later today or tomorrow, at least to get a taste of what was to be expected there. 

[Mia Noel]

"Seriously! What kind of enemy was that! There was no way that was a standard enemy program." Mia vented to mostly empty air as she descended the stairs to find herself back in the confines of the Church. While she was never against religion, her lifestyle back home didn't allow much time for practicing it either, so walking through a religious building was ever so slightly unusual for her. She'd have to get used to it though since it was the only way into the labyrinth. Something felt a little more off than before though....

Oh, right! "I'm still wearing this thing aren't I?"

She looked down at herself and sure enough she was still wearing her combat gear. Making a few strokes on the portable terminal, the combat attire digitized and was instantly replaced by her school uniform. Really, controlling her avatar through coding was so much easier than manually changing. It took so much less effort! Speaking of code though, she needed to get to that student council room. That was a much better workspace and it'd allow her to make a stronger anti-fear charm. She could probably make something to allow her to offset most of the effect. It was a powerful aura, but understanding that it was an aura coming from the enemy Servant that caused the fear would allow her to defend against it better. They still didn't fully understand who or what that enemy was, but they had something to go off of.

Now face to face with the grand doors marking the entrance, and exit, to the church, she pushed one open and stepped outside the holy chapel. It wouldn't take her too long to get to the student council room, but something caught her eye. A lonely teenager sitting on one of the benches outside the church. May be he wasn't completely alone, since his Servant could be there, but he looked lonely to her.

"Hey kid, what're you doing out here? Headed for the stairs?"

[Golden Eyed Rider of Shoji]

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DANGER IS JUST ANOTHER SUNDAY TO ME

Rider honestly thought nothing of the whole Library incident, mistakes only brought on more knowledge, and she'd never understand the big deal about it. But if her master wanted her to keep quiet, she would. Keeping her mouth shut, letting him do his own thing Shoji honestly was quite the odd ball and she wasn't sure what was ever going through the child's mind. But as long as he wasn't in her way she didn't care what became of him.

As they neared the church Rider grew excited, hopefully eyeing the door. She was ready for this challenge to really get her feet on the way. But, Shoji had his doubts and sat down on a bench instead. "I disagree, I think we could do just fine." She commented, sitting down right next to him.

"But I can't ever object to more training, so if you'd like to take some time to brush up on our skills then I wont object." She stated, shrugging. Patients and training was something that Rider could do a great deal of, just as she always had in life. 

A small frown came on her face. "Would you like me to go and get it for you?" She offered, unsure on what else to tell him. Finding it quite cowardly that he wouldn't head back simply because a simple accident.

That's when the strange girl hopped in, and Rider looked at her defensively for a moment, but calmed down her nerves a bit. Keeping her mouth shut, Rider went ahead and let her master make his own case.

PINN ツ